APM - Asian Project Market

2023 Project

Logline

When the patriarch of a family faces his demise, he embarks on a journey to find a suitable heir for three generations of women.

Synopsis

Goverdhan Baje (77, a religious guru) prevents a girl from performing her father’s funeral rites, saying “Only if a son cremates the remains of his father will the soul of the dead find a way to heaven.” The stubborn old man becomes a prisoner of his own ideology. Having lost his only son to the Nepalese Civil War, and with his grandson missing in Qatar, he begins to fear dying without a male heir; the very thought of which worsens his health daily.
Recognizing his time is limited, he deceives his family, pretending to visit Kathmandu for a health check-up, while secretly searching for his missing grandson. With a home for four generations, his daughter-in-law and granddaughter-in-law allow him to go, on the condition that he takes Muna (12), his great granddaughter, along. Despite considering her immature, Muna joins the journey.
As they travel, Muna discovers Goverdhan Baje’s true intentions, but is hesitant to get involved as her father never even took responsibility for Muna or her mother. Without Muna, Goverdhan Baje visits different government offices and agencies by himself. The continuous maneuvering takes a toll upon his already depleted health. It becomes difficult for Muna to see Goverdhan Baje toiling in such a fragile state.
Muna shoulders all the responsibility. She takes complete care of Goverdhan Baje and leads the search for her father. As the story unfolds, the question remains whether Muna will earn the place of a son in Goverdhan Baje’s eyes, challenging traditional gender roles and beliefs.

Director's Statement

Growing up near the Police Headquarters in my village, I lived in constant fear of rumored Maoist Guerilla attacks. The devastating toll of 16,000 deaths during the Nepalese Civil War, with many more missing, deeply affected families, leaving us haunted and questioning.
My life diverged from my sister′s, who, despite being intelligent, was married off at 21, while I was able to study in the capital city. Our community limits choices and desires, trusting men more than competent women, impacting both genders, and prompting my persistent questions as to why.
At 32, I am the last of my friends to remain in the country. All the others having sought better prospects abroad. The mass exodus of 3000 young people daily to foreign employment makes me wonder if this country has any hope. Such unanswered questions led to this project, giving voice to the concerns of my generation.

Producer's Statement

Where the Rivers Run South is an upcoming feature film by Underground Talkies Nepal, aiming to captivate a wide audience with a unique yet universally relatable story. When Suraj Paudel, my film school friend, brought me this project in 2022, I was immediately drawn to the subject matter, rooted in our own experiences of rural-to-urban transition and political turmoil. Suraj intends to tell this story with unwavering truth and compassion, exploring how childhood shapes the identities of individuals.
In the late stages of script development and early financing, the film seeks co-production partners. Through its universal themes of family, community, identity, and personal growth, the film aims to inspire and touch hearts worldwide, transcending borders with its artistic vision.

Director's Profile

Producer's Profile